An Arkansas State University instructor was found dead in her home Tuesday.

According to a statement sent out to students in the College of Media and Communications, Bonnie Thrasher was found dead in her home just before noon. The email said she appears to have died in her sleep.

Thrasher taught public affairs reporting, news writing, feature writing and desktop publishing. She was also the advisor for the on-campus newspaper, The Herald.

In a news release Dr. Brad Rawlins, dean of the College of Media and Communications, described the contribution Thrasher made to the college:

"As a journalism faculty member and adviser to The Herald, Bonnie has had a positive impact on many students, faculty and staff at Arkansas State for more than 20 years. Her former students work in news organizations throughout Arkansas, the Mid-South and across the country. We have heard from several of them and they have expressed their love and gratitude for her mentorship and support. She will always be remembered for her fun, brash and lively personality, and for how much she cared for students. She was a friend to all who knew her and she will be dearly missed.”

The College of Media and Communication told their followers about Thrasher's death on Facebook Tuesday afternoon.

“We are saddened to announce the passing of our beloved faculty member, colleague, mentor and friend Ms. Bonnie Thrasher. Kind words and positive thoughts to her family, friends and students in this difficult time,” the post said.

A “zero-tolerance policy” put into effect by the Trump administration increased criminal prosecutions of people caught trying to enter the U.S. illegally, which led to adults being jailed and their children separated from them.

A “zero-tolerance policy” put into effect by the Trump administration increased criminal prosecutions of people caught trying to enter the U.S. illegally, which led to adults being jailed and their children separated from them.